Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation can be an important aspect of modern home construction and renovation, providing significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, reducing household bills, and overall comfort. As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns become more pressing, understanding the value of cavity wall insulation and other forms of insulation for your home is important. Therefore, below we explore what cavity wall insulation is, its benefits, the different types available, the installation process, and maintenance. As a result, by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how cavity wall insulation can improve your home.

What is Cavity Wall Insulation?

Cavity wall insulation involves filling the gap (cavity) between the two layers of external walls with insulating material. Most houses built after the 1920s have cavity walls, consisting of an inner and outer wall separated by a small space. As a result, this cavity can be insulated to prevent heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of the home.

It works by trapping air within the insulating material, reducing the transfer of heat through the walls. Consequently, this helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling.

Benefits of Cavity Wall Insulation

Energy Efficient
Cavity wall insulation provides improved energy efficiency. This is because insulating the cavity walls significantly reduces heat loss, ensuring that more of the heat generated within the home stays inside. This means that less energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in lower energy bills.

Save on Bills
By reducing the amount of heat that escapes through the walls, leads to substantial savings on your heating bills. Therefore, over time, any initial investment in insulation is quickly recouped through energy savings.

Stable Temperature Year-Round
Cavity wall insulation helps create a more comfortable living environment by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. During the winter months, it keeps the warmth in, while in the summer, it prevents excessive heat from entering the home. This results in a more pleasant and stable temperature year-round.

Soundproof Your Home
In addition to thermal benefits, cavity wall insulation also provides soundproofing advantages. This is because the insulating material can help reduce the amount of external noise that enters the home, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.

Improve The Environment
Reducing energy consumption through insulation helps lower the household’s carbon footprint. Therefore, by using less energy for heating and cooling, fewer greenhouse gases are emitted, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Increase The Value of Your Home
Homes with insulation are more energy-efficient, which can be an attractive feature for potential buyers. Improved energy efficiency can increase the property’s value and marketability, making it a wise investment for homeowners looking to sell in the future.

Types of Cavity Wall Insulation

We explore the types of cavity wall insulation materials below, each with their own advantages.

1. Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool insulation, including glass wool and rock wool, is a popular choice for cavity wall insulation. It is made from natural materials and provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Also, mineral wool is also fire-resistant and has good moisture control properties. Our installers tend to use Knauf Blowing Wool SUPAFIL® 34, as it provides excellent thermal conductivity and density.

2. Polystyrene Beads

3. Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is a high-performance insulation material that expands to fill the cavity completely. Also, it provides good thermal resistance and is effective at sealing gaps and preventing air leakage. Furthermore, polyurethane foam is also resistant to moisture and can provide additional structural support to the walls. However, the use of polyurethane foam is becoming less common, as it is considered by many experts ‘messy’ and can cause damage to walls. Therefore, Fairway Energy do not use this type of insulation.

4. Urea Formaldehyde Foam

Installing Cavity Wall Insulation

The installation of cavity wall insulation is a process that should be carried out by professionals to ensure it is done correctly and safely. Here are the general steps involved in the installation process:

1. Initial Assessment

Our professional installers will first assess the property to determine its suitability. This includes checking the wall structure, the width of the cavity, and the presence of any obstructions. We will also identify any areas of dampness or damage that need to be addressed before installation.

2. Preparing the Walls

3. Injecting the Insulation

4. Sealing the Holes

5. Final Inspection

Maintaining Cavity Wall Insulation

It is also important to carry out regular checks of your cavity wall insulation to ensure its long-term effectiveness. Here are some tips for maintenance:

1. Wall Inspection

We advise that you inspect your walls for any signs of damage, dampness, or deterioration. If you notice any issues, you can contact us to assess and address the problem ASAP.

2. Look Out for Moisture

3. Avoid Damage

Conclusion

Cavity wall insulation can be a crucial component of creating an energy-efficient home, offering numerous benefits, including reduced energy consumption, reduced bills, better temperature stability, soundproofing, and increased property value. Therefore, by understanding the different types and the installation process, you can be more informed when it comes to improving your home’s thermal performance.

Ultimately, in today’s world, where energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are paramount, insulation stands out as a practical and beneficial home improvement. Therefore, see if your home can benefit from cavity wall insulation and speak with one of our representatives today.

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